Patriotism marks Veterans Day at St. Mary-St. Michael School

St. Mary-St. Michael School third grader Selena Hescock shakes hands with World War II Navy veteran Daniel R. Waleski after Veterans Day observances at the school Friday in Derby.
Melanie Stengel — New Haven Register

DERBY >> A patriotic program marking Veterans Day brought together veterans and students Friday at St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Veterans Day, which is Monday, was established as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

“It’s a tradition to honor our veterans,” said Principal Linda Coppola as she welcomed the guests. “Thank you for your service.”

The seventh- and eighth-grade chorus, under the direction of music teacher Karolina Wojteczko, sang patriotic songs.

As in the past, World War II Navy veteran Daniel Waleski of Derby addressed students and played “Taps.”

Waleski, a 1939 graduate of the school, said he was “honored and pleased” to be there Friday. “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is our heritage, and it has been defended by our veterans over the years,” he said.

“It’s meaningful and helpful for the school to have this service, to educate and inspire the children,” Waleski said after the program.

The program was coordinated by sixth-grade teacher Matthew Loman.

“We as veterans really appreciate what you do for us,” Erwin “Gus” Williams, commander, John H. Collins Post 24, American Legion in Derby, told Coppola and the school staff.

Williams served in the Army from 1953-56. He said his daughter served in the Army in the 1970s, and his son served in the Air Force in 1980-81.

Ansonia resident James Hubbard, 80, who served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army in the Korean War, told students about his family’s tradition of service.

He said his brother, who is 90, served in World War II, his son served in the Air Force, a grandson served in the Marines and another grandson served in the Air Force.

Students lined up and shook hands with the veterans.

Eighth-grader Gabriella Koziol said she “felt good” being a part of the program. “It was very helpful for me and everyone,” she said. “I loved it.”

“It’s very nice that they remember us on Veterans Day,” said Ansonia resident Susan Ranno, national president of the Catholic War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary.

She was there with her husband, Mike Ranno, state commander, Catholic War Veterans. He said he served in the Army “during peacetime,” from 1959-62.

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